Keystone Exam Information

The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Beginning with the class of 2020, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams to graduate. Students will be offered multiple opportunities to take the Keystones throughout their high school career.

These assessments will be administered to all students enrolled in:

Algebra Keystone Exam: Algebra I, Concepts of Algebra B

Literature Keystone Exam: World Literature

Biology Keystone Exam: Biology, AP Biology

Students who have not completed a Keystone Exam and are not enrolled in one of the above courses by/in their 11th grade year will be required to test.

Students who score Basic or Below Basic (not proficient) will be required to enroll in and complete intervention/remediation courses in the associated content area. This can affect students course requests and scheduling for the upcoming school year.

2017-2018 High School Keystone Exams

Winter Testing Window (2017)

December 4th-5th: Algebra I
December 6th-7th: Biology
December 11th-12th: Literature

Spring Testing Window (2018)

May 14-15: Algebra I
Students currently enrolled in Algebra I, Concepts of Algebra B, Algebra II and/or 11th grade students who have yet to complete the assessment.

May 16-21: Biology
Students currently enrolled in Biology or AP Biology (typically 9th or 10th graders).

May 16-17: Literature
Students currently enrolled in World Literature and/or any 11th grade student who has not completed the assessment to date.

For more information regarding the Keystone Exams please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website.

Helpful parent and preparation documents are also available on our website.